Definitely recommend checking out local REI meetups in Boston now and Chicago later—tons of value in connecting with local investors.

Wait... you never checked their credit score????

Depends on the town’s rules, though, so check that first.Renovation Loophole: Some places let you raise rents or get out of rent control if you do big renovations.

@Jacqueline Wright  Every auction is different so the first items to check: do they allow financing if you win the auction? 

There are not a ton of comps on Zillow or other websites that I have checked and it was last sold a while ago so even these resources are unable to give me a quote.  

Ask your employer if you can have your pay split up into three deposits, one to investments savings, one to your checking account for personal use on a daily basis, and one to an emergency account you can tap into so you don't have to tap into your investment savings.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Check with an architect first to be sure you can fit your vision into the existing lot, as it's zoned currently.

It doesn't seem to be much in the way of appreciation over time, but would these be worth checking out for the beginning investor?

I lived for free for a couple years, while collecting rent checks.